Hello, I'm Candice
I hold a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Victoria and have been in private practice as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) since 2007.
My undergraduate degree is in Child and Youth Care, also from the University of Victoria. With over two decades of experience as a clinical counsellor providing individual, group therapy, and psychoeducation, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients on various challenges​ that life presents.
My path into this work began with a lifelong deep connection to animals and nature. I’ve always felt most at home immersed in outdoor and adventure-based activities — spending time observing, learning from, and simply being in the presence of animals and the natural world. There’s a certain irony in this, given that my work centres on human connection; yet these early experiences continue to shape how I listen, attune, show up, and support others in my life and in therapeutic spaces.
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This early pull toward nature-based work led me to pursue a degree in Child and Youth Care, with the intention of working in outdoor, adventure, and nature-informed therapeutic settings with youth. These experiences shaped my understanding of holistic wellness — the recognition that mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply interconnected. Toward the end of my degree, and while already working in the field, I wanted to deepen my capacity to support people through growth, transitions, and times of challenge, which led me to complete a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.
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After graduating, I worked in both residential and outpatient settings, supporting youth, adults, and families affected by eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, trauma, and depression. I later held leadership and clinical supervisory roles, where I also developed curricula and programs integrating movement- and nature-informed approaches into therapy.
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Since 2007, I’ve maintained a private practice alongside consulting, teaching at colleges and universities, and supervisory roles, all of which have allowed me to align my work more closely with my values while continuing to deepen my knowledge and skills.
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Over time, my practice has naturally evolved to focus on women’s mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, including adolescent girls navigating life transitions. My approach is grounded, relational, and responsive — honouring each person’s lived experience, inner resources, and the contexts in which they are navigating change.
I’m excited about how far neuroscience has influenced my counselling practice, offering valuable insights into how the brain functions in relation to emotions, behaviours, and mental health. Neuroscience has also illuminated how trauma and emotional experiences are stored in the body, as well as how the nervous system regulates emotional states. With this knowledge, therapies can focus not only on thoughts and feelings but also on somatic experiences, helping clients process stress and trauma through body awareness, movement, and sensory experiences.
With a focus on women’s mental health and wellbeing, these advancements have provided a more nuanced understanding of the brain-body connection, the impact of hormones, and how individuals can be supported in ways that align with how their brains process and respond to experiences.
These insights have led to more evidence-based, personalized approaches, fostering emotional resilience and enhancing long-term well-being.
Outside of Counselling
Self-care is at the heart of how I live and work. By prioritizing my own well-being, I’m able to show up authentically for my family, friends, and clients.
Whether I’m surfing, walking the shore with my rescued dogs, or simply taking in the horizon, the ocean continues to inspire me.
My love for travel has taken me to many incredible places, each offering its own unique experiences. While I was originally drawn to destinations with great surf, over time my travels have expanded to include a wide range of locations rich in culture and natural beauty. I’ve also always held a deep respect for connecting with wildlife in their natural environments. Some of my most memorable experiences include surfing with dolphins, swimming with sea turtles and free diving with whale sharks; observing koala bears; and sharing the jungle alongside monkeys and parrots while I was living in Costa Rica for a few years.
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When I’m not in or near the water, I find a sense of peace in the mountains—whether hiking, snowboarding, or simply being in nature.
Photography—capturing surf, wildlife, or landscapes—helps me unwind and stay connected to my surroundings.
I’m naturally curious and often find myself diving into a wide range of topics, both practical and purely for interest.
Animal rights and environmental advocacy are also deeply important to me, offering me a sense of deep purpose.
Meet Mr. Styles
Along with all my outdoor adventures and travels, I’m rarely without my loyal companions. Mr. Styles, is the newest member of my family and a therapist-in-training (though he’s still working on his certification). He’s a rescued chi-mix from Mexico with a heart full of love and an expert in snuggles.
While he’s still perfecting his therapeutic skills, his cuteness is already providing plenty of emotional support during my virtual sessions. When he’s not napping on the job, he's sure to bring a smile or a chuckle to anyone he meets.
Therapeutic Approaches & Style
"At the heart of my approach is the belief that sometimes what’s needed most in a therapeutic relationship is simply a space where you feel truly heard and supported."
Alongside evidence-based models, I offer relational, supportive counselling, because at times, the most important thing is having someone who can be fully present, listen without judgment, and offer guidance from a place of genuine care and connection.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, holistic, and collaborative, rooted in a strength-based perspective. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities and incorporate insights from neuroscience and trauma-informed care, allowing for better understanding of how the brain and body respond to stress, trauma, and change.
I would describe my style as:...
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Authentic
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Approachable
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Empowering
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Down-to-Earth
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Compassionate
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Straightforward
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Practical
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Warm
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Non-Pathologizing
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Insightful
"I practice and encourage the use of acceptance, humour, and humility throughout the therapeutic process."
Learn more about my Approaches & Modalities I utilize.
Some Key Qualifications and Training
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BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) 2007, BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)
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Master of Education in Counselling Psychology, University of Victoria
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Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety (Beck Institute)
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Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Certificate (CPT Training Institute)
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Treating the Psychological Impact of Infertility (NICABM)
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The Impact of Perimenopause and Menopause on Mental Health (OCD Training School)
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy and the Neuroscience of Pain Reversal (NICABM)
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Mind, Mood, & Menopause: Understanding Hormonal Transitions in Mental Health Care (Clearly Clinical)
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CBT for Eating Disorder Recovery (Udemy)
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Certified Somatic Mind-Body Healing Practitioner (Udemy)
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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Canadian Centre for Mindfulness)
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Not Just the Blues: Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (UBC)
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Neuroscience of Addiction and Recovery (Udemy)
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Alcohol Use: Screening, Determining Risk, and Evidence-Based Treatment (UBC)
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Addiction Care and Treatment Certificate (UBC)
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Anti-Racism, Cultural Safety and Humility Training (FNHA)
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ASIST - Suicide Prevention/Intervention Training (Crisis Centre BC)
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PHSA Indigenous Cultural Competency (Provincial Health Services Authority)
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Clinical Applications of Motivational Strategies (Center for Addictions Studies)
